7.31.2009

"jackie chan" gets picked up by the cops

No, not the real Jackie Chan. This is a ridiculous, infuriating story out of Indiana, about an immigrant refugee with mental and medical disabilities who went missing for thirty-five hours, much to the concern of his loved ones.

Authorities apparently booked the man into the lockup as "Jackie Chan." Very funny, officer. You've got a mentally unstable Asian man, so you decide to have a little fun and name him after the only other Asian name you can think of. That's racist!

Okay, it's not the same thing as a straight-up racial slur, but they sure as hell aren't helping a guy who needs help. It looks like the Lawrence Police Department is in need of some serious sensitivity training -- at the very least.

There's a Deputy Chief interviewed for this news report who says he doesn't find the made-up name (or the term "Oriental") offensive or discriminatory at all. Yes, these are the people who supposed to protect and serve you, good citizens. You've got to be kidding me.